The Ultimate Guide for PBA Fans: Top 10 Players to Watch This Season

As a longtime PBA analyst who’s spent years courtside and crunching game tapes, I’ve got to say—this season is shaping up to be something special. The intensity, the rivalries, the sheer talent on display… it’s a feast for any basketball enthusiast. If you’re just tuning in or need a refresher on who’s making waves, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve put together my personal list of the top 10 players you absolutely need to keep an eye on this year. These aren’t just stat-sheet fillers; they’re game-changers, the kind of athletes who shift momentum in a heartbeat and define how the season unfolds.

Let’s start with June Mar Fajardo—no surprises there. The man is a mountain in the paint, and watching him operate is like witnessing art in motion. I remember one game where San Miguel just bulldozed their way inside, racking up 24 points in the paint before halftime. That’s Fajardo’s world. He doesn’t just score; he commands attention, opens lanes, and makes everyone around him better. And it’s not just offense—his presence disrupts opponents’ flow, something we saw clearly when San Miguel forced TNT into nine turnovers in the first half alone, converting those into 15 easy points. That’s dominance, plain and simple. Another player who’s caught my eye is CJ Perez. His energy is infectious, and he’s got this knack for turning defense into offense in seconds. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen him strip the ball and sprint downcourt before the defense even knows what’s happening. He’s averaging around 18 points and 2 steals per game this season, numbers that don’t lie. Then there’s Scottie Thompson—the guy does it all. Rebounds, assists, clutch shots… he’s the heart of Ginebra, and when he’s on, the whole team elevates. I’ll admit, I’m biased toward players who impact the game beyond scoring, and Thompson fits that mold perfectly.

Moving down my list, I can’t skip Robert Bolick. Love him or hate him, you can’t ignore his fearless scoring. He dropped 32 points in a recent outing, including some ridiculous off-balance threes that had me jumping off my couch. But what I appreciate most is his playmaking under pressure—he’s the guy you want with the ball when the clock’s winding down. On the defensive end, Calvin Oftana has been a revelation. His length and timing make him a nightmare for drivers, and he’s averaging roughly 1.8 blocks per game. Watching him rotate and help on D reminds me of vintage PBA defenders, and in today’s fast-paced league, that’s a rare sight. Then there’s Jamie Malonzo—athletic, explosive, and still improving. He’s put up around 14 points and 7 rebounds a night, but it’s his highlight-reel dunks and transition defense that get fans buzzing. I’ve seen him chase down breakaways like a hawk, and those moments can swing a game’s energy instantly.

Rounding out my top 10, I’ve got guys like Mikey Williams, whose shooting range is just absurd. He’s hitting about 38% from beyond the arc this season, and when he gets hot, defenses have to scramble. But let’s be real—his consistency can waver, and that’s why he’s not higher on my list. Then there’s Christian Standhardinger, the workhorse. He’s not flashy, but he grinds in the post, grabs boards (around 9 per game), and sets brutal screens. I’ve always had a soft spot for players who do the dirty work, and he’s a prime example. Add in Jio Jalalon’s pesky defense and Roger Pogoy’s clutch gene, and you’ve got a lineup that covers every facet of the game. Pogoy, in particular, has this uncanny ability to hit big shots in crunch time—I’ve seen him sink game-winners with hands in his face, and that kind of nerve is priceless.

So, why does this list matter? Because these players aren’t just individual talents; they’re the engines driving their teams toward championship contention. Take that San Miguel vs. TNT game I mentioned earlier—it wasn’t just about Fajardo’s paint dominance. It was a showcase of how top-tier players influence every possession, from forcing turnovers to capitalizing on them. As the season rolls on, keep an eye on these ten. They’ll deliver the moments that define 2024, whether it’s a game-saving block or a buzzer-beating three. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it.